THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There has been a clear involvement of the chief minister’s office behind the U-turn of the devaswom board on women entry in Sabarimala. The information available is that the private secretary of the chief minister and devaswom commissioner spoke to the board’s lawyer avoiding board president A Padma Kumar. Information obtained stated that devaswom board former president and devawom recruitment board chairman advocate Rajagopalan Nair has a crucial role in it.

The board had filed a review plea on the Sabarimala issue. However, the board had not uttered a word on it yesterday and changed their stand. Board president A Padma Kumar had expressed his displeasure on the board’s stand. Responding on it, Kumar said that he is not aware of the new stand. He also said that he has sought a report from devaswom commissioner who is in Delhi.

Following the change in stand, the devotees were irked by the decision of the board. So, the president and other members kept away from the Ettumanoor temple festival today.

Meantime, there is a speculation that Padma Kumar will be removed from the post. There is a move to replace Kumar with Rajagopalan Nair. It is also heard that devaswom commissioner N Vasu will be made recruitment board chairman.